Frequently Asked Questions

After your Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) exam, the images will be carefully reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. A comprehensive report will then be sent directly to your ordering physician. Your doctor is responsible for discussing the results with you and outlining any necessary follow-up care or treatment plans. We recommend contacting your doctor’s office if you don’t hear from them within this timeframe.

Yes, for all Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) exams, a valid referral (requisition) from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner is required. We cannot schedule or perform your scan without this referral.

A bone scan is a Nuclear Medicine test that involves an injection of a radioactive tracer and typically takes about 3 hours to complete. A bone density exam, also known as a DEXA scan, is a different test that uses a very small amount of X-ray to measure bone mineral density and usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

CT scans are often preferred for quickly imaging bone injuries, detecting acute bleeding, or for certain chest and abdominal conditions. MRI provides superior detail for soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments. Your doctor will carefully assess your specific health concern and symptoms to determine which imaging modality is most appropriate and will provide the best diagnostic information for your situation.

Yes, it is very common to experience a sensation of warmth spreading throughout your body or a metallic taste in your mouth when the contrast material is injected during a CT scan. These sensations are normal, brief, and typically subside quickly.

Please inform the technologist if you experience any unexpected or prolonged discomfort.

Allergic reactions to CT contrast are uncommon but can happen. People who are allergic to contrast may experience typical allergic symptoms such as itching, hives and sneezing. Very rarely contrast can trigger a life-threatening reaction. You will be asked questions related to allergies at time of booking and prior to your scan. Please let us know if you have had a previous allergy to any type of contrast.

Helping your child prepare for a CT scan involves explaining the procedure in simple, reassuring terms. Tell them they will lie still on a comfortable bed and that a “camera” will move around them, making some soft whirring noises. You can bring a favourite toy or blanket for comfort.

Keeping them calm and cooperative is key, and our staff are experienced in working with children to make the process as smooth as possible.

CT scans are generally very quick, with most scans taking only a few minutes, which significantly helps patients manage claustrophobia. The CT scanner is also more open than an MRI. If you have concerns about claustrophobia, please discuss them with our booking staff or a technologist before your scan.

While we do not provide sedation medication, your referring physician may be able to prescribe something to help you relax if they deem it appropriate.

Our CT scanner table has a weight limit of 500 pounds (approximately 227 kg). If you have concerns about the weight limit, please discuss them with our booking staff when you schedule your appointment so we can ensure your comfort and safety.

Yes, a valid referral (requisition) from a licensed physician or authorized healthcare provider is absolutely required to book and undergo a private CT scan. We cannot perform any CT scan without this documentation.

After your Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, wait times for booking a PRP injection can vary depending on clinic volume and the urgency of your case. However, typically, the injection appointment is scheduled within 2 to 3 weeks of your ultrasound, once the radiologist has reviewed the images and the need for an injection is confirmed. Our team will contact you to arrange an appointment.

No, Not every diagnostic MSK ultrasound leads to an injection; the ultrasound helps determine if an injection is indeed necessary and beneficial. By booking your appointments separately, we allow adequate time for a radiologist to review the ultrasound findings and for you to discuss them with your referring physician, ensuring the injection is precisely targeted and medically appropriate. This approach also helps minimize cancellations and optimize scheduling efficiency.

All MSK ultrasounds require prior review and specific protocoling by a radiologist with expertise in MSK imaging. This pre-booking review ensures that the correct type and focus of the ultrasound are planned, allowing for the most accurate diagnosis and efficient use of appointment time. This process helps us tailor the exam precisely to your physician’s request and your specific condition.

No, in alignment with the Canada Health Act, nearly all diagnostic prenatal ultrasound exams performed at our facility are considered medically necessary insured services and therefore cannot be privately paid for to bypass public wait times. Our scheduling system prioritizes clinical urgency. Elective “entertainment” ultrasounds (e.g., solely for gender reveal without medical indication) are not offered.

We understand you may wish to share your ultrasound experience. For obstetrical (prenatal) ultrasounds, we are pleased to allow one support person into the exam room with you. For other types of ultrasound exams, we evaluate requests to bring a support person into the exam room on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s emotional or physical needs and the nature of the examination. Please note that policies can change based on public health guidelines (e.g., during a pandemic), so it’s always best to confirm with our booking staff.

Certain specialized or high-risk prenatal ultrasound exams are performed only at our Red Deer location. This is because these complex scans either require the direct, immediate presence of a radiologist for interpretation and consultation, or they utilize advanced equipment and expertise that is consolidated at our main facility to ensure the highest standard of care for more intricate cases.

Yes, for an echocardiogram, we generally prefer that you lie on your left side. This positioning helps bring your heart closer to your chest wall, allowing for clearer and more comprehensive ultrasound images. If you are unable to comfortably lie on your left side due to mobility issues or pain, please inform the sonographer. We are usually able to make adjustments and work with you to obtain the necessary images from an alternative position.

Yes, at our main Red Deer location, there are stairs that lead to different sections of the clinic. However, we are fully committed to accessibility for all patients. We have a convenient elevator available for easy access between floors, as well as a wheelchair ramp at our exterior entrance to ensure smooth entry and exit for those with mobility aids.

At our main Red Deer location we have a main floor and a downstairs level. For X-Ray, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, CT and Pain Management, please visit our downstairs lobby and speak with a receptionist. For all other medical procedures, staff in our main lobby will be able to assist you.

While we try to accommodate your preference for the closest location, not all of our locations are equipped for every imaging test or procedure.

We will make every effort to book your appointment at the most convenient location for you, but specific services (such as MRI, CT, or specialized ultrasounds) may only be available at designated clinics.

We encourage you to visit our Locations pages for a detailed list of services offered or speak with our booking team for guidance. If your required procedure is only available at a distant location and necessitates an overnight stay, please inquire with our booking team about our partnerships with local hotels for potential discounted rates.

We have several locations around Central Alberta:

Red Deer Main: 4312 54 Ave, Red Deer, AB

Red Deer Notre Dame: Bay 1117 2827 30th Ave, Red Deer, AB

Sylvan Lake: 33 Beju Ind. Drive #115, Sylvan Lake, AB

Innisfail: 4824 46 Ave unit #100 4824 46 Ave, Innisfail, AB

Lacombe: Unit #3, 5230 45th Street in Lacombe, AB

Olds: 240-6700 46 St, Olds, AB

Stettler: 4710 50 St, Stettler, AB

Rocky Mountain House: 5127 49 Street Rocky Mountain House, AB

We don’t have the specialized staff or equipment required for these procedures outside of our main office, located in Red Deer.

For your safety and to ensure accurate billing, we are required to verify your identity and health care coverage at every visit. While we may have your information on file, our staff see many patients daily. Presenting your provincial health care card (e.g., Alberta Health Care card) allows us to quickly and accurately confirm your identity and ensure your information is up-to-date in our system for your current visit.

Yes, as a patient, you are entitled to request copies of your imaging reports and/or images (typically provided on a CD or via a secure online portal, if available).

To request your images, please contact our office directly. Please note that there is an administrative fee for these services, and you may be required to complete a consent form to ensure your privacy.

After your doctor faxes in your requisition form, the time it takes for us to contact you can vary. This depends on factors such as the type of exam requested (some highly specialized exams require pre-authorization or specific protocoling by a radiologist before booking), current volume, and urgency indicated on the requisition.

Please allow a few business days for us to process your referral and contact you to schedule your appointment. If you haven’t heard from us within a reasonable timeframe, feel free to call our booking department to check on the status of your referral.

After your exam or procedure is completed, our facility will send all relevant images and the radiologist’s comprehensive report directly to your referring physician or healthcare provider. They are the primary contact responsible for reviewing your results with you, explaining their implications, and coordinating any necessary follow-up care or next steps. We do not release results directly to patients.

While breast ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool, it is generally used as a supplemental imaging technique in conjunction with mammography, especially for women with dense breast tissue or specific concerns.

At present, we do not offer screening breast ultrasound as a standalone alternative to mammography for general population screening. This is due to current resource allocation and established screening guidelines which recommend mammography as the primary screening tool for breast cancer detection. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate screening method for your individual needs.

If you are between the age 50 of 75, and have no symptoms or history of breast cancer, then you do not need a doctors referral. You do however need to provide a doctor’s name at time of booking.

After your MRI exam is completed, our radiologists will meticulously interpret your images. A comprehensive report will then be sent directly to your referring physician or healthcare provider. Your doctor is responsible for reviewing these results with you, explaining their meaning, and discussing any necessary follow-up care or treatment plans. We do not release results directly to patients.

While generally safe, side effects from an MRI contrast injection (gadolinium-based contrast agent) can occur, ranging from mild to very rare severe reactions. Common mild side effects may include a temporary cold sensation at the injection site, nausea, or headache. Very rarely, more serious allergic reactions can happen. It is crucial to inform your physician and our technologists about any allergies, kidney problems, or other medical conditions you have before receiving contrast. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have prior to your exam.

We understand that claustrophobia can be a significant concern for MRI exams. If you experience severe claustrophobia, we strongly recommend discussing the possibility of a prescribed sedative medication with your referring physician prior to your appointment. Our highly experienced MRI staff are very adept at working with anxious patients, and many individuals are able to complete their MRI scan comfortably without medication through our supportive environment and open-bore system. Please inform us of your concerns when booking so we can best prepare for your visit.

An X-ray of your eyes is specifically required before an MRI if you have a history of an eye injury that involved metal fragments (e.g., from grinding, welding, or shrapnel) and required medical treatment. This is a crucial safety precaution to rule out any metallic foreign bodies in or near your eyes, as the strong magnetic field of the MRI could cause them to move and cause serious injury.

At CAMIS, we offer a comprehensive range of MRI examinations to address various diagnostic needs. This includes most common MRI procedures, as well as specialized scans such as MR orthography (for joint imaging) and cardiac MRI (for heart evaluation).

Currently, we do not perform perfusion studies or dedicated breast MRI examinations. Please consult with your referring physician to determine the most appropriate MRI for your condition.

Yes, CAMIS proudly offers a private pay option for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) services, providing faster access to diagnostic imaging. These services are outside of the publicly funded healthcare system. For detailed pricing information, specific scan availability, and to book your private MRI, please call us directly at 403-755-1060.

Side effects from the radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are generally very rare and mild. If they occur, short-term side effects might include a temporary headache or mild upset stomach. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon. Our team will review your medical history for any contraindications and monitor you closely. Always inform the technologist if you experience any unusual symptoms during or after the procedure.

The process for each nuclear medicine exam varies depending on the specific type of scan. Regardless of the exam, a specialist radiologist will interpret your images, and a report will be sent to your doctor. Here’s a general overview for common exams:

Bone Scan: An injection of a tracer is given, with the first images taken shortly after. A second set of images is taken approximately 2 hours later. Each imaging session can last up to 1.25 hours, with the total exam time around 3 hours.

Parathyroid Scan: You will receive an injection of a radioactive tracer. The first set of images are taken shortly after the injection. The second set of images are taken approximately 2 hours after the injection. Each set of images can take up to 1¼ hours. Total time to complete the exam is about 3 hours.

HIDA Scan: After a tracer injection, images of your gallbladder and bile ducts are taken over a period that usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though it can extend up to 4 hours in some cases.

MUGA Scan: This involves two injections separated by a 20-30 minute waiting period. Imaging to assess heart function begins after the second injection and typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.

No, in alignment with the Canada Health Act, nearly all diagnostic prenatal ultrasound exams performed at our facility are considered medically necessary insured services and therefore cannot be privately paid for to bypass public wait times. Our scheduling system prioritizes clinical urgency. Elective “entertainment” ultrasounds (e.g., solely for gender reveal without medical indication) are not offered.

We understand you may wish to share your ultrasound experience. For obstetrical (prenatal) ultrasounds, we are pleased to allow one support person into the exam room with you. For other types of ultrasound exams, we evaluate requests to bring a support person into the exam room on a case-by-case basis, depending on the patient’s emotional or physical needs and the nature of the examination. Please note that policies can change based on public health guidelines (e.g., during a pandemic), so it’s always best to confirm with our booking staff.

Certain specialized or high-risk prenatal ultrasound exams are performed only at our Red Deer location. This is because these complex scans either require the direct, immediate presence of a radiologist for interpretation and consultation, or they utilize advanced equipment and expertise that is consolidated at our main facility to ensure the highest standard of care for more intricate cases.

The gender of your baby can often be determined during your detailed fetal anatomy scan, which is typically performed around 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. However, clear visualization depends entirely on the baby’s position during the ultrasound exam. Our sonographer will only reveal the gender if you explicitly wish to know, and if they can clearly and confidently identify it.

For certain ultrasound exams, particularly those of the pelvis (like early pregnancy scans or gynaecological ultrasounds), having a full bladder is crucial.

A full bladder helps to push bowel loops out of the way, creating a clear “acoustic window” that allows the sound waves to travel more effectively, providing better visualization of the structures in your pelvis, such as the uterus, ovaries, and early pregnancy sac.

You will typically be asked to drink 32 ounces (approximately 1 liter) of water an hour before your appointment.

Yes! We understand how special it is to see your baby’s first images. Your sonographer will do their very best to capture some clear, high-quality keepsake pictures of your baby for you to take home and cherish.

Please understand that image quality can vary depending on the baby’s position and gestational age.

While generally safe, side effects from an MRI contrast injection (gadolinium-based contrast agent) can occur, ranging from mild to very rare severe reactions. Common mild side effects may include a temporary cold sensation at the injection site, nausea, or headache. Very rarely, more serious allergic reactions can happen. It is crucial to inform your physician and our technologists about any allergies, kidney problems, or other medical conditions you have before receiving contrast. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have prior to your exam.

We understand that claustrophobia can be a significant concern for MRI exams. If you experience severe claustrophobia, we strongly recommend discussing the possibility of a prescribed sedative medication with your referring physician prior to your appointment. Our highly experienced MRI staff are very adept at working with anxious patients, and many individuals are able to complete their MRI scan comfortably without medication through our supportive environment and open-bore system. Please inform us of your concerns when booking so we can best prepare for your visit.

At CAMIS, private MRI services start at an affordable rate of $725. The exact cost can vary depending on the specific body part being scanned and the complexity of the examination.

You can typically book a private MRI appointment within 1-2 days of contacting us, significantly reducing wait times.

Please remember that a valid requisition form from a physician is still required. After your MRI, you will receive a digital copy of all your images for your records. For a precise quote, please contact our booking office.

At CAMIS, we offer a comprehensive range of MRI examinations to address various diagnostic needs. This includes most common MRI procedures, as well as specialized scans such as MR orthography (for joint imaging) and cardiac MRI (for heart evaluation).

Currently, we do not perform perfusion studies or dedicated breast MRI examinations. Please consult with your referring physician to determine the most appropriate MRI for your condition.

Our table weight limit is 550lbs, which is 200lbs greater than most MRI systems.

We use a high field, open bore magnet. High field means it has a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla (higher field strength means better image quality). Open bore means the opening in the magnet is larger, 10 cm larger, than traditional MRI systems, translating into more room and comfort in the magnet.

Yes, CAMIS proudly offers a private pay option for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) services, providing faster access to diagnostic imaging. These services are outside of the publicly funded healthcare system. For detailed pricing information, specific scan availability, and to book your private MRI, please call us directly at 403-755-1060.

While generally safe, potential risks or side effects of an ultrasound-guided biopsy are usually mild and temporary. These can include bruising, mild pain or soreness at the biopsy site, and minor bleeding. Very rarely, infection or more significant bleeding can occur. Our medical team takes all necessary precautions to minimize these risks, and you will be monitored after the procedure.

Yes, you are able to request copies of your PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) procedure report and any relevant imaging (if imaging guidance was used for the injection). To obtain these records, please contact our office directly. Kindly be aware that there may be an administrative fee associated with providing copies of reports or images. We will guide you through the necessary steps and any required consent forms.

This can take a few weeks depending on the exam and if it’s required to be protocolled.

We only inject one area at a time, and wait 7 days between injections, to limit adverse reactions and limit to every three months to control the amount of steroids you receive in a year.

The tissue samples collected during your ultrasound-guided biopsy will be sent to a pathology lab for analysis. The time it takes to get results can vary. Once the pathologist’s report is complete, it will be sent directly to your referring physician.

Your physician is then responsible for reviewing the results with you, explaining their meaning, and discussing any necessary next steps or treatment plans.

Preparation for an ultrasound-guided biopsy will be specific to the area being biopsied. You may be instructed to fast for several hours before the procedure, avoid certain medications (especially blood thinners) for a few days prior, or wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Please inform our staff about all medications you are taking, any allergies, and if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. Detailed instructions will be provided when you book your appointment.

During an ultrasound-guided biopsy, you will lie comfortably on an examination table. The physician will use ultrasound to locate the target area, apply a local anesthetic to numb the skin, and then, while continuously watching with ultrasound, insert a thin needle to collect tiny tissue samples. You might feel some pressure or a brief sting from the anesthetic, but the procedure is typically not painful. Multiple samples may be taken to ensure an adequate specimen for diagnosis.

An ultrasound-guided biopsy is a medical procedure where a small tissue sample is precisely collected from an area of concern in your body using real-time ultrasound imaging for guidance. This technique ensures accuracy by allowing the physician to visualize the target area and the biopsy needle simultaneously. It’s performed to diagnose abnormalities, such as suspicious lumps, lesions, or masses found in organs like the breast, thyroid, or liver, helping to determine if they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

After an x-ray, we send the photos and related information to your physician. Your physician will call you to explain the results of the x-rays. We are unable to show you the x-ray photos or provide you with interpretations on the spot.

If your child is getting an X-ray, we understand they may need your comfort. A parent or guardian is welcome to accompany their child into the X-ray room to provide emotional support and help position them, up until the moment the X-ray image is actually being taken.

For the brief few seconds of radiation exposure during the X-ray capture itself, parents will be asked to step outside the room. Our technologists are highly experienced in working with children to make the process as quick and stress-free as possible.

For safety reasons, particularly due to radiation exposure, children are strictly unable to be present in the X-ray room while images are being taken. Unfortunately, our facility does not have dedicated childcare services.

If you must bring children with you to your X-ray appointment, please ensure they are old enough to be left unsupervised in the waiting area for a short period and have quiet activities (like books or tablets) to keep them entertained while you are in the exam room.

If you are a patient with limited mobility – please contact us so we can prepare for your visit and provide the right recommendations. Our location is ramp-accessible and we will do our best to provide any additional aid as needed.

For general X-ray exams, no appointment is needed. CAMIS welcomes patients on a walk-in basis. Please ensure you have a valid physician’s requisition (referral) and bring your healthcare card with you.

X-rays are available at two CAMIS locations:

– Red Deer Main Office Hours: 7:15 am. – 6:00 pm
– Notre Dame Plaza Office Hours: 7:15 am. – 4:00 pm

An X-ray of your eyes is specifically required before an MRI if you have a history of an eye injury that involved metal fragments (e.g., from grinding, welding, or shrapnel) and required medical treatment. This is a crucial safety precaution to rule out any metallic foreign bodies in or near your eyes, as the strong magnetic field of the MRI could cause them to move and cause serious injury.

We don’t have the necessary X-ray equipment installed at our Sylvan Lake location. X-ray services are available at both our Red Deer Main and Notre Dame locations.

It is absolutely imperative and critical that you immediately alert your doctor and the X-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant, or even if you just suspect you might be. X-rays involve radiation, which can pose risks to a developing fetus. We will then discuss alternative imaging methods or necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your pregnancy.